Advertising apparatus



Feb-F11, 1941.

J. L. P FLEGER ADVERTISING APPARATUS Filed Aug'. 3, 19259l 12Sheng-sheet 1 Feb. l1, 1941.` J. L. PFLDEGER ADVERTISING APPARATUS FiledAug. 3, 1939 12 Sheets-Sheet 2 WWN WN Feb 11, 1941- J. L. PFLUEGER2,231,590

ADVERT I S ING APPARATUS Filed Aug. 3, 1959 12 Sheets-Sheet 5 oo 5- `al22S 225 27 E21. f 219 roRwARo GEAR 217 222 lNvENToR .Taboo/' ZLP Z m' BYf wy, am MWh/M7 l ATTORNEY Feb. l1, 1941: J. 1 PFLGEGER 2,231,590'

Abva'rtsrue APPARATUS med Aug'. s; 1939 .12 sneetyshaet 4 R nanna ,Tm mam lmdw IH, A NWN LY 92u ne .m J

Feb. 11, 1.11 J. l. PFLUEGER 2,231,590

ADVERTISING APPARATUS Filed Aug. 5, 1939 12 Sheets-Sheet 5 ATTORNEY Fe@11, il. J. L PFLEGEH 2,231,590

I ADVERTISING APPARATUS l Filed Aug. 3, 1939 l2 Sheets-Sheet 6 J. L.PFLUEGER 2,231,590

ADVERTISING APPARATUS Filed Aug. 3, 1939 l2 Sheets-Sheet 7 w @15a 132:10117 7 1961011214 f- Feb. 11', 1941. J. 1 PFLUr-:GER 2,231,590

ADVERT I S ING APPARATUS Filed Aug. 5, 1939 12 Sheets-Sheet 8 lNNTOR.ohmL BY v ATTORNEY Feb. ll, 1941. 1 L PFLOEGER 7 2,231,590

v AbVERTIsI-NG APPARATUS Filed Aug. 3, 19:59 12 sheets-sheet 9 1 L/ /AsMAM/@ ATTORNEY Feb. l1, 1941. 1 L PFLUEGER 2,231,590

ADVERTISING APPARATUS Filed Aug. 3, 1939 12 Sheets-Sheet 10 ff" @myINVENTOR Feb. 1l, 1941. .1.1. PFLUEGER 2,231,590

ADVERTISING APPARATUS Filed Aug. 3, 1939 12 Sheet-S-Sheet l1 INVENTOR YJ'Owe/lcyQ/r 7 f ATTORNEY Patented Feb. 11, 1941 UNITED STATES ATENTOFFICE 22 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in advertising apparatuses, moreparticularly of the animated type. An advertising device of this kind ismuch more potent in its eflect upon the e public than is an advertisingdevice of the stationary type such as a bill-board or the like.

Naturally an animated advertising device is more costly than thestationary type, but as already indicated, the greater cost is more thanoffset by its ladvertising value. It is the fundamental purpose of `theinvention to provide what might aptly be called a semi-automaticadvertising apparatus, the characteristic of which is to describecertain prescribed movements for the 35 production of a change in thesign panels Whereupon the device becomes quiescent for an appropriateperiod in order to give observers plenty of time to note and observe thepicturization in the frame.

With this preamble in mind the objects of the invention are as follow:

First, to provide an advertising device in which the forcefulness andadvertising value of the information sought to be imparted to the publicare increased by the interest which the periodic and automatic changingof the signboards will arouse.

Second, .to provide an advertising deviceof the character stated, whichis adaptable either to outdoor or show-window use, and capable ofmanufacture in either large or small sizes to suit the foregoing uses.

Third, to provide an advertising device which has .a plurality ofsignboards, each with fragmen-tal advertising matter thereon, a periodicassemblage of selected groups of boards into successively complete signpanels permitting a Wide diversity of matter to be displayed at a costmuch less than if the same number of panels were set up on as manyindividual sites.

Fourth, to provide a sign embodying mechanism by which .the signboardsare automatically manipulated for an indefinite period to produce andpresent successively fresh sign panels at the 45 opening of a sign orpicture frame, the cycle of changes being limited only by the number ofgroups of boards contained bythe sign housing.

Fifth, to make provision for the easy disassemblage of the mechanism inthe event of a fault in its operation, consisting of flange-couplings atnumerous intervals along certain shafts, said couplings being positionedbetween chain-belt divisions and therefore so located as vto permitisolating any signbo-ard unit.

, Sixth, to provide a sign of ythe charac-ter de- (Cl. l-32) scribedwhich `is adaptable to night advertising, lamps being provided toilluminate the sign panels at the completion of a change, andautomatically switched @if during the period of the change.

Other objects and advantages will appear in the following specification,reference being had to the .accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a fractional plan view of the invention which is hereinafterknown as the multiadvertisement device, portions of the housing beingshown in section.

Figure 2 is a vertical section .taken on the line 2-2 of Fig. l.

Figure 3 is a plan view of the main and aux- 15 iliary drive shafts,particularly illustrating the driving means associated therewith.

Figure 4 is an elevation of one of the quarter gears shown in Fig. 3,the main drive shaft being shown in section.

Figure 5 is an elevation of the second quarter gear shown in Fig. 3, themain drive shaft being shown in section.

Figure 6 is a section taken on the line 6-6 of Fig. 3.

Figure 7 is a cross section taken on the line 1-1 of Fig. 6,particularly illustrating the face of the cam gear.

Figure 8 is a cross .section taken on the line 8-8 of Fig. 3.

Figure 9 is an end elevation of the forward cam segment of the cam gearin Fig. 7.

Figure 10 is an end elevation of .the reverse cam segment of the camgear. 35

Figure 11 is a side elevation of a brake arrangement hereinafterdescribed.

Figure 12 is ,a cross section taken on the line l2-I2 of Fig, 11.

Figure 12a is a cross section taken on the line I2a-l2a of Fig. 11.

Figure 13 is a detailed sectional view, parts being shown in elevation,particularly illustrating the structural arrangement of the upper end ofone of the signboards.

Figure 14 is a vertical section Vtaken on the line I 4-l4 of Fig. 13,showing a portion of one of said boards, particularly illustrating oneof the socalled tooth edges and one of the twin sockets.

Figure 15 is apartly sectional and elevational 50 view -to be read incontinuation of Fig. 13, illustrating the structural arrangement at thelower end of the signboard.

Figure v16 is a section taken on the line Iii-I6 of Fig. 1 illustratingthe act of advancing one of 55 soV Figure 22 is a vertical section takenon the4 line 22-22 of Fig. 1, illustrating one of the reversingmechanisms.

Figure 23 is a cross section taken on the line 23-23 of Fig. 22.

Figure 24 is a cross section taken on` the line 24-24 of Fig. 22. Y

Figure 25 is a View of a portion of the mechanism in Fig. 22, as seen ona plane designated by the line 25-25.

Figure `26 is a detail side elevation of a portion of the structure inFig. 22.

Figure 27 is a front elevation of the sign housing particularly showingthe display opening and a series of signboards displayed therein.

Figure 28 is a front elevation of a switch hereinafter described.

Figure 29 is a side elevation of said switch.

Figure 30 is a detail side elevation of one of the shafts, particularlyillustrating the couplings.

Figure 31 is a cross section taken on the line 3|-3I of Fig. 2 andillustrating one of the top signboard guides.

Figure 32 is a similar View illustrating one of the bottom signboardguides. Figure 33 is a partial side elevation of one of the signboards,particularly illustrating the top end and showing its connection to therespective chain belt.

Figure 34 is a cross section taken on the line 34--34 of Fig. 33.

Figure 35 is a rear elevation of the structure shown in Fig. 33. IFigure 36 is a plan View of one of the signboard chain belt units.

Figure 37 is a side elevation of the bottom signboard guide in thereversing unit, illustrating how a signboard is coupled on. f n

Figure 38 is a similar view of the matching top signboard guide. 1

Figure 39 is averticalsection taken on the line 39-39 of Fig. 2.

Figure 40 is an expanded partially sectional and elevational view of oneof the bearings.

Figure 41 is a plan View of one of the tooth edgesockets in disassembledform.

Figure 42 is a plan View ofthe same socket showing the parts inassemblage.

Figure 43 is a side view of the tooth edge socket showing the parts indis-assembled form.

Figure 44 is .a side elevation of the assembled tooth edge socket. y

Figure 45 is a side elevation of the lower end of one of the signboards.

Figure 46 is a side elevation of a portion of the shafting hereinafterreferred to.

In carrying out the invention provision is made of a'housing generallydesignated I (Figs. 2 and 27).' This housing isA usually rectangular inform, although this statement `of preference is not to be regarded as alimitation because the housing isadapted to be made in anyshape desired.'Iniany event the housing will comprise a top 2 (Fig. 2), bottom 3, back4, and front 5. The latter is hereinafter known as the sign or pictureframe.

The picture frame 5 has an opening 6 (Figs. 2 and 27) in which the sign1 is displayed. Said sign, as illustrated in Fig. 27, is composed of aplurality of signboards 8. These signboards are each individual membersof groups herein known as signboard units. The instant disclosure islimited to ve signboard units, successively designated 9, I0, l2 and I3(Fig. 1), but here it must be understood that there is virtually nolimit to the number of such units in a given sign housing, the actualnumber of such units being determined by the size of the sign and thecharacter of the goods intended to be advertised.

Reference is made to Fig. 1 which well illustrates how the signboards 8are assembled in panel formation both adjacent to the picture frame 5and adjacent to the back 4. The first panel formation is designated I4,the second being designated I5. Each of the signboards 8 carries afraction of a sign or some other picturization. Such a fraction isillustrated, for example, at i6 in Fig. 27. The manner of making thepanel I4 and of making all of the other panels is to assemble thesignboards in the panel formation and then either to paint or paste thesign thereon. Clean cuts are then made along the division lines I1 (Fig.27) and thereafter the signb-oards which constitute the respective panelare subject to separation and ultimate reassemblage successively at thefront and back of the sign housing.

It is the underlying purpose of the invention to provide mechanisms forautomatically assembling and disassembling the signboards. But beforedescribing one of the units 9, Il), etc. which accomplishes thisfunction, note is also made of the fact that the housing I is welldefined by the distribution of the mechanisms into an exhibitingcompartment I8 (Fig. 2), a reversing compartment I9 and a mediallysituated forwarding compartment 2l). These mechanisms include ve forwardcarriers 2|, 22, 23, 24 and 25 (Fig. 1) and five rearward carriers 26,21, 28, 29 and 30. The rearward carriers are supplemented with reversingdevices 3|, 32, 33, 34 and 35.

The foregoing contrivances are arranged in a vserial order in thehousing I (Fig. 1), and each series is hereinafter designated a signmechanism. For example, the first mechanism reading upward from thebottom of the sheet (Fig, 1) comprises the forward carrier 2|, thesignboard unit 9, the rearward carrier V26 and the reversing device 3|.All of these mechanisms are coordinated in their operation, but inasmuchas all of the sign mechanisms are identical in structure and operation,the description of the rst sign mechanism is here given as suicient forthe others.

The signboard unit 9 (Fig. 2) has a pair of upright shafts 36, 36a.These shafts are parallel to each other and yeach-one carries pairs ofsprockets 3l, 38 and 39, 4|). These sprockets are in horizontalalinement so that they become pairs 31, 39 and 38, 4U for the purpose ofcarryingupper and lower chain belts 4|, 42. The chain belts must besupported medially of the horizontal pairs of sprockets to preventundesired sagging, it being seen in each of Figs. 1 and 2 that there isa considerable distance between the shafts 36, 36a.

Brackets 43, 44, depend from the top 2 and arev upstanding from thebottom 3.. One of the brackets (t3. is illustrated in Figs. 20 and 211,it being understood that the structure of the brackets 44 is identical.The bracket '43 is secured at 45 to the top 2. It has a plurality' ofwebs 46 which support the shaft 41 of a pair of deeply grooved rollers48, 49. The deep grooving provides, an adequate rest for the two flightsof the respective chain belt.

These belts comprise the mounts for a series of plates l(Figs.I 1 and2'). The plates are secured to the chain belts in order to dispose eachof the signboards vertically in. the forwarding compartment, it beingunderstood from this statement that the, belt isthe foundation of asignboard in every instance. As seen in Fig. 1 each of the signboard.units comprises a. series` of six signboards. This number, however, maybe increased or diminished in accordance with the requirements of thesign. Since each of' the signboards is alike in construction, the'description of one will sufce for all.

The signboard adopted for description is designated- 59'. This signboardand all others in the second panel formation l5 (Fig. 1) are inconfronting relationship to the reversing compartment |9. The matchingsignboard 50a, soA identified because of. its being at the entrance tothe exhibiting compartment i8, is4 situated at one end of the panelformation i4, which is in confronting relationship to said compartment.The previously mentioned plate now designated 5| is secured at its upperand lower ends to the chains IH, 42, as already pointed out. A properlfylocated pair of link pins 52 (Fig. 34) is used for making theconnection. The pair illustrated occurs in the upper chain belt 4|, andan identical pair will be selected from the lower chain belt 42.

These link pins are made differently from the other link pins 53 of thechain, in that they have spindle extensions 54 which elevate the pointof connection of the plate 5| to a place outside of the sprocket toothspaces. This is necessary so as not to interfere with the passage of thechains around the sprockets.

U.-bolts 55 (Figs. 33 and 35) are used to anchor the pins 52 to theplate 5|. These U-bolts are secured by nuts 56 which appear on the frontof the plate. A spacer 51 is interposed between the pins 52 and theplate 5|, said spacer being thick enough to define a space 58 betweenthe chain and plate of a width sufficient for the occupancy of theflanges of the rollers 48, 49 (Figs. 21 and 36).

The signboard 59V (Fig. 2) of which the upper and lower structuralarrangements are detailed in Figs. 13. and 15, may consist of a woodboard or it may comprise a metalV panel. A wood board is herein adoptedfor illustration and it is sufficiently reinforced to prevent warping inthe event of its becoming wet. In actual practice the reinforcement willinclude a marginal metallic framing. This is not shown in the drawings,but each of Figs. 13 and 15 illustrates an attached metal` surface plate59, Si) to the front and back. These terms are interchangeable becauseafter a reversal of the signboard the plate 59 will be on front and theplate 59 on back.

Recesses 6|, 62, are cut into the board 5() at the top (Fig. 13) `an-dsimilar recesses 63,' 69 are cut into the board at the bottom (Fig. 15).These recesses contain pairs of plates 55 and` 55,

respectively atA the top and bottom, secured to- [gether at 61r throughthe board.. The respecetive ones of the two pairs of plates carryintegral hooks 68, 69. The heads of these hooks are of substantiallytriangular shape when viewed from the front (Figs. 2 and 14) to matchthe sockets 10, 1| in receptors 12, 13 standing out from plates 14, 15which are secured to .the sign supporting plate 5| as at 15. Said hookheads taper away from their triangular fronts until they define reducednecks at 11, 18, which are properly matched by the slot shapes of thesockets 19, 1| (Fig. 14).

The substantially triangular congurations of the hooks and sockets servea number of important purposes; rst, a firm connection is made when thehooks settle in the sockets under the weight of the sign-board 50,second, the signboard cannot possibly -pull away laterally from thecarrier plate 5|, third, lthe hooks are released from the sockets aseasily as they are set therein, and only a slight lift is required toeffect a full release prior to the lateral displacement of thesignboard.`

It will be understood from the foregoing that the hooks 68, 69 providehangers f-or the signboard 59. Each signboard is adapted to be hung uponits set of hooks during transmission forwardly and backwardly of theforwarding compartment 29. The signboards 59, 59a. (Fig. 1) are adaptedto be lifted or unhooked simultaneously and in the same way advancedtoward the front and back of the housing. This advancement of thesignboard 59 to its dotted line position in Fig. 2 leads to itsreversal, while the advancement of the signboard 59a to its dotted linepositi-on in Fig. 2 leads to its display position in the opening 6 ofthe sign frame 5.

Lifting of the signboard is accomplished in the following manner, thestructure involved now being described in detail; Said description isapplied to the rear signboard 59 (Fig. 2) and its correlated parts, butit is to be understood that the identical description also applies tothe fr-ont signboard 50a, the identical numerals being distinguished bythe exponent letter c. Tooth edge connections 81, 88 (Figs. 13 and 15)are aiiixed to the top and bottom of the board 59. Any desired mode ofaiiixation may be employed, the preferred structure involving theflanges 89 through which securing pins 99 are driven, as shown.

Said connections 81, S9 include series of teeth 9|, 92. These aredesirably pyramidal in shape, as shown in Figs. 13, 15, 37 and 38. Thispar- .ticular form makes for ease of connection and disconnection withthe companion tooth edge sockets 93, 9fi of the carriers 26, 2| (Figs. land 2).

These particular carriers, commonly designated 29 etc. and 2| etc.(Fig. 1) actually comprise short duplicate carrier chains, the upperones of which are designated 95 and the lower` ones 95 (Figs. 37, 38).The upper carrier chain 95 is applied to a pair of sprockets 9'1, 95(Fig. 2) mountedl on shafts 99 which in turn are supported by brackets|99. The links cf the chain 95 are connected by pins |91, certain onesof which are used as mounts for the respective socket 93. Said socketcomprises a series of socket members |52 (Fig. 41) provided with ears|93` which are interconnected by pins IM (Fig. 42). The connection isrequired to be loose, and for that purpose said pins occupy slots |95 inthe ears (Fig. li3).

Each of the socket members is recessed at $96. The shape of each recessis that of an inverted pyramid to match the pyramidal teeth 9| of theconnection 81' (Fig. 113).

Brackets |61 of any suitable formation providethe mounts for anchor pins|08 which extend crosswise of the chain 95. 'Ihese pins are adapted toengage with anchors |09 on the connection 81. 'Ihese anchors arehook-shaped and the ranchor pins are adapted to rest in the bends of thehooks (Fig. 37).

The socket members |02 (Fig. 4'1) are each equipped with lugs ||0 (Fig.44) preferably suplplied in pairs. These lugs are on the outsides of thesocket members so `that when connection is made with selected ones -ofthe pins IOI, the center tooth spaces of the chain will not beobstructed. Each lug IIO is arched at III (Fig. 44) to seat upon therespective pin |0I. The small studs I l2 resulting from the arching arethreaded to receive nuts I I3 which are screwed up against a Ibridgeplate I'I4 that is emplaced on the studs against the pin I0|. Theconnection here is intended to be tight, but the radial positions whichthe members '|02 maintain in rounding the sprocket 91 (Fig. 37) arecompensated for by the loose connections |04, |05.

An identical structure is yadopted at the lower carrier chain 96. This`chain is carried Iby sprockets II5, ||6 (Fig. 2) mounted on shafts I|1in turn carried by brackets II8. The socket members ||9 of the socket 94(Fig. 38) are attached to selected pins |20 of the chain 9B in theidentical manner of the socket members |02, the former being similarlyrecessed and loosely coupled as can be seen in Fig. 38, without furtherexplanation.

O n the same -principle `the tooth edge connection 88 (Figs. 15 and 38)is provided with anchors |2| to supplement the teeth 92 and to makeengagement with the anchor pins |22 of the socket 94.

Attention is directed to Figs. 37 and 38 for a structural detail whichexplains the lifting of the signboard 50. When the latter occupies itsposition in the panel formation I5 (Fig. 1) it stands as shown in fulllines in Figs. 2, 37 and 38. The tooth series 9|, 92 then assume arelationship to the confronting top and -bottom flights of the chains95, 96 substantially as shown. It will =be seen from this showing that alift of the signboard is required. This, however, is desirably smallonly being equal to the amounts designated at |23, |24 (Figs. 37, 38).Lifting of the board 50 is accomplished by the engagement of an anchorpin |22 with one of Ithe anchors |2|, both chains 96, having started totravel in the directions of arrows a, b.

The lifting of the signboard 50 begins from its full-line position c(Figs. 37, 38) which comprises its static state up to the moment oflifting. By a continuation of (the turning of the sprockets 91, ||5, thesignboard soon reaches the dotted line position d (Figs. 37, 38) inreadiness to travel rearwardly in the reversing compartment I9.

The previously mentioned amounts of lift |23,

|24 are traversed between the full and dotted line positions of thesignboard, and it is this lifting of the signboard which disengages thelatter from the twin hooks 68, 69 (Figs. 13 and 15). It is repeated thatthe structures and mode of operation occurring in the immediatelypreceding description also apply to the front signboard 50a.

The manner in which Ithe signboard 50, and all other signboards in thepanel series I5 (Fig. 1) is reversed in the compartment I9 is asfollows: Brackets |25, |26 respectively secured to the top 2 and bottom3 of the housing I provide the supports for journal members |21, |28(Fig. 22). These journal members have segmental fillers |29, |30, whichare made in order to enable corinection with the heads |3I, |32 ofaxially alined shafts |33, |34. The fillers are secured in therespective journal members by screws |35 or suitable equivalents.

The shaft |33 is secured to a. block |36 which has cross slots |31 (Fig.25). A similar block is similarly slotted at |310, (Fig. 26). Theseslots make room for the teeth 9|, 92 (Figs. 37, 38) the necessity ofwhich is readily apparent. Said block |38 is carried by the shaft |34,but said block actually surmounts a gear |39 in physical connection withthe shaft |34. Said blocks have other but smaller slots, the walls ofwhich support rollers |3122, |310. The rollers ease the entry anddeparture of the signboard 50. To this end the connections 81, 88 havetracks |31d, |31e (Fig. 22) on which the rollers run.

Pairs of pins |40, |4| are slidably carried by the respective blocks|36, |38, but in respect to the latter the pins I4| also slidably passthe gear |39. These pairs of pins are bridged at |42, I 43 at theirremote ends, said bridges also supplying the abutments for the far endsof springs |44. The inner ends of these springs respectively engage theblock |36 and the gear |39, and they tend to press said pairs of pinsoutwardly and away from the signboard 50 when emplaced as shown in Fig.22.

The tooth edge connections 81, 88 of said signboard are socketed at |45to receive the points of said pairs of pins when the latter are forcedinwardly. The connections 81, 88 have grooves |31f, |31g, leading intothe sockets, thus guiding the pins |40, |4|. This act is accomplished bythe riding of arms |46 (Fig. 22) down the previously engaged cams |41.The arms |46 are secured to the bridges |42, |43. 'I'he cams |41 aresecured to selected ones of the fillers |29, |30. Said arms are inengagement with the cams, having ridden to the remote parts thereof atthe time of the reception of the signboard 50.

This is necessary to permit the assumption of the dotted line positionby the signboard 50 (Fig. 2), the pairs of pins |40, I4| then beingretracted within the blocks |36, |38. The tooth series 9|, 92 of thesignboard are then free to occupy the slots inthe blocks |36, |38, thesubsequent turnlng of the gear |39 disengaging the arms |46 from thecams |41.

As said arms ride down the cams to the inner points of the latter thesprings |44 are permitted to extend the pairs of pins into engagementwith the sockets |45. The turning of the gear |39 continues for degrees.This comprises the reversal of 'the signboard so that the fraction ofthe sign which previously faced right from the series I5 in Fig. 1 nowfaces left. In other words, the signboard is turned inside out in amanner of speaking.

The foregoing turning of the gear |39 is done by a meshing gear |48(Fig. 22). This gear is carried by a shaft |49. Said shaft is'supportedin the upright position by bearings |50 (Fig. 39) in which it ismounted. The lower end of the shaft carries a bevel pinion |5| which isin mesh with a drive pinion |52 on acounter-shaft |53. The latter isturned periodically in the same direction, the duration of turning beingsufficient to produce the foregoing 180 degrees reversal of thesignboard 50.

When the latter is reversed in the manner pointed out it is abstractedfrom the reversing device 3| (Fig. 1) and then carried forwardly (Fig.

2) to the full line position where it reassumes its 75 station in thepanel series l5. The manner of the foregoing abstraction is. identicalwith the previously described manner of coupling the signboard with theupper and lower carrier chains 95, 96 (Figs. 37, 38). The previouslyunengaged anchor pins |08,|22 are now coupled with the previouslyunoccupied anchors |99, |2|. The chains 95, 96 having temporarilystopped during the period of reversal of the signboard 50, are againstarted, but reversely to the previous direction, thereby abstractingthe signboard from the reversing device 3| and forwarding it to thepanel series I5, as previously described in reference to Fig. 1.

Reverting to the structure of the chains 95, 99 (Figs. 37, 38) it willbe observed in Figs. 31 and 32 that alternate ones of the link pins |9|,|20 project far enough beyond the sides of the respective chain toprovide supports for rollers |54, |55. These rollers are adapted to rideon tracks |56, |51. These tracks are supported in fixed relationship tothe contiguous ones of the flights of the chains 95, 96. Their purposeis to keep said flights perfectly straight, thereby to avoid sagging. Ifsagging were permitted then the proper registration of the ends of thesignboard with the socket blocks |36, |38 (Fig. 22) would, obviously, beinterfered with.

Attention is now directed to the exhibiting compartment |8 (Fig. 2). Theforwarding carrier 2| (Fig. 1) is identical to the rearward carrier 26.To this end the forward carrier comprises upper and lower carrier chains|58, |59. The tooth edge sockets 93a, 94a., which these chains carry areidentical in structure and function to the sockets 93, 94 (Figs. 37,38).

The point sought to be made at this stage in the description is that thesignboard 59a is merely advanced to the dotted line position (Fig. 2)where it is held stationary for a determined period by the stopping ofthe chains |58, |59 and is then carried back to the full line position-by a restarting of the chains without the occurrence of the previouslydescribed reversal. In other words, the advancement of the signboardseries I4 to the exhibiting position behind the opening 6 is for thesole purpose of revealing the sign to the public. The panel formation I4is then backed away whereupon the individual signboards are distributedamongst the units 9, etc., for treatment in the manner alreadyexpounded.

The driving mechanism by which the motions of the units 9 etc. forwardcarriers 2| etc., rearward carriers 25, etc. and the reversing devices 3i, etc. are derived, comprises the following structure:

A main drive shaft |99 (Figs. 3 and 6) is revolubly and lengthwiseslidably supported in bearings !9! which are carried by standards |62,secured in upstanding positions on an extension of the bottom 3. Anelectric motor |93 mounted on the latter has a driving pinion |94 inconstent mesh with the driven gear |95 on the shaft iii-i1. The pinion|99 is sufciently longer than the gear |95 is thick to maintain aconstant driving connection even though the drive shaft |69 is shifted.as is one of its functions to be.

A sleeve |99 is .swivelled on the shaft |99 by means of the engagementof the point of a screw 51 or equivalent driven through the sleeve, withannular groove |98 in. the shaft. Trunnions |99 on the sides of thesleeve occupy slots `|19 in the forks |1| (Fig. 8) of a shifter |12.This shifter is secured to a shaft |13, the ends of which are journaledin fixed bearings |14. Springs |15 are so anchored at their ends as totend to turn the shifter clockwise (arrow e, Fig. 6

The shifter has one end of a rod |15 pivoted to it at its lower end(Fig. 6) Said rod is loosely supported in a 'guide |15 adjacent to itsother end, the latter carrying a roller |11 which is constantly urgedtoward a cam gear |18 -by the springs |15. That face of this gearadjacent to the roller |11 carries quarter-section cams |19, |89, |8|and |82 (Fig. 7) which comprise neutral, forward, neutral and reversecams in the numerical order.

The forward cam |89 is lowest and the reverse cam |82 is highest (Fig.6). The neutral cams |19, |81 are at an intermediate and mutually commonlevel (Fig. 6). These cams are axed to the face of the gear |18 byscrews |83 to comprise a cam circle, and the roller |11 rides thiscircle as the gear |19 is revolved continuously by an elongated drivepinion |84 secured on the main shaft |99.

A shaft |85 carries the cam gear |18. This shaft is supported bybearings |89. The cam gear is stationary relatively to the axialmovement of the drive .shaft |69 and said factors are compensated for bythe previously mentioned elongation of the drive pinion |84.

A pair of quarter gears |81, |88 (Fig. 3) is secured to the drive shaft|90. These are identical, mutilated gears (Figs. 4 and 5) and the teethoccupy only one quarter of the periphery or substantially so. They areset 189 apart on the shaft |89, and according to the adopted neutralposition of the driving mechanism (Fig. 3) the quarter gear |81 will bethe first of the two quarter gears to act. This gear is adapted toactuate the signboard reversing devices 3|- 35 (Fig. l). the signboardunits 9|3 (Fig. 1).

The cam gear |19 and the quarter gears |81, |88, are in. the correctrelative angular positions in Figs. 3, 4 and 5. For the purpose ofactuating the reversing devices the gear |81 periodically meshes with apinion 88a on a short shaft. |89 (Fig. 3). A bevel gear |90 on thisshaft drives a bevel pinion |9| on one end of a shaft |92. A bevel gear|93 on the other end of this shaft drives a bevel pinion |94 on thecountershaft |53 (Fig. 22). l

Said countershaft is supported by bearings |95 (Fig. 3) and it carriesas manydrive pinions |52 (Fig. 22) as there are reversing devices 3|,32, etc. (Fig. 1) to operate. All of said devices are operatedsimultaneously inasmuch as the countershaft |53 is common to all.

For the purpose o-f actuating the signboard units 9, i9, etc. (Fig. 1)the quarter gear |88 (Fig. 3) periodically meshes with a pinion |96 on ashort shaft |91. A bevel gear |98 on this shaft drives a bevel pinion|99 on one end of a shaft 299. A. bevel gear 29| on the other end ofthis shaft drives a bevel gear 292 on one end of a sub-shaft 293. Abevel `gear 298 on the other end of this shaft drives a bevel pinion 205on the lower end of a connector shaft 286 (Fig. 46)

The latter shaft is the common connector of a pair of endless chaindriving shafts 291, 299 (Figs. 2 and 46) For this purpose the connectorshaft 296 carries bevel gears 299, 2| 9, in mesh with pinions 2H, 212 onthe adjacent ends of said shafts 291, 288. The latter carry as many wormpinions 2| 3, 2id as there are signboard units 9, i9, etc. (Fig. 1) asillustrated in the in- The gear |98 is adapted to actuate tive pinions2|3, 2|4 mesh with worm g-ears 2|5, 2 I 6 on the adjacent uprightsprocket shafts which in this instance are the shaft 36 (Fig. 2) and allof its equivalents vin the successive signboard units.

This upright shaft and said equivalents, it will be remembered, carriesthe pair of sprockets 39, 40 (Fig. 2) and when driving is accomplishedby the shafting described, the upper and lower chain belts 4|, 42partake of a step motion, the duration of which is determined by theextent of the quarter gear |88.

A pair of large bevel drive gears 2 I1, 2|8 (Figs. 3 and 6) is ixedlycarried by the main drive shaft I 60 in sufficiently spaced relationshipto insure their neutralization with respect to driven pinions 2|9, 228,when the roller |11 (Fig. 6) rides the neutral cams |19, |8I. The gears2|1, 2|8 are hereinafter known as the forward and reverse gears. Theirrespective functions are first to drive the carrier chains 95, 96 and|58, |59 in oppositely outward directions (arrows f, g, Fig. 2) secondlyto drive the same carrier chains oppositely and inwardly (arrows h andI, Fig. 2).

The motions for these functions is derived from the drive gears 2|1, 2I8(Fig. 3) through intermediate shafts 22|, 222, the inner ends of whichcarry the pinions 2I9, 220. The outer endsv of these shafts carrypinions 223, 224, in mesh with gears 225, 226 on the lower ends ofconnector shafts 221, 228 (Fig. 1). The respective ones of these shaftscarry pairs of bevel gears 229, 238, 23|, 232 (Fig. 46). The gears 229,23|) mesh with pinions 233, 234 on the upper and lower carrier chainshafts 99,\||1 (Figs. 3'1 and 38). It is by this means that the rearwardcarriers 26, etc. are driven.

The forward carriers 2| are driven in the same way. The upper and lowershafts 99a, ||1a of the latter have bevel pinions 235, 236 (Fig.-46)driven by the previously mentioned bevel gears 23|, 232 on the connectorshaft 228.

With respect to Figs. 3 and 6 it can readily be understood that as longas the main drive shaft |68 stands in the neutral position shown, thedrive gears 2 I1, 2|8 remain clear of the pinions 219, 228 and that therearward and forward carriers remain stationary as the consequence. Therotation of the cam gear |18 (Fig. 1) is about to drop the roller |11from. the neutral cam |19 onto the forward cam |88. The resulting swingof the shifter |12 (arrow e, Fig. 6) will move the drive gear 2|1 intomesh with the pinions 2|9, 228. The rearward and forward carriers arethen set in motion.

It was previously indicated that the advertising device is intended fornight use as well as day use. For the latter purpose it is necessary toprovide for the illumination of the signboards 8 (Fig. 27) when in thedisplay position. The electrical switching arrangement is capable ofbeing located virtually anywhere in the apparatus in Fig. 1, providedthat the circuit is closed when the signboards are in the ultimatedisplay position and opened when they are withdrawn from that position.Said arrangement in many instancesy will control a system of lampsproducing a white light. But this is not necessarily adhered to becausethe switching arrangement is readily enlarged to control auxiliarycolored lights.

The signboard unit I3 is herein chosen for the location of the switchingarrangement, and the latter is adapted to be situated either above orbelow, that is to say, the switching arrangement ystance of the topdriving shaft 208. The respecis operable in a position either at the topof the signboards as shown (Fig. 28) or below the signboards. In Fig. 28a switch 231 pivoted at 238 and adapted to engage a contact 239 which ismounted on an insulating plate 248 (Fig. 29) which is spaced at 24| fromthe housing front 5. This switch controls an electrical circuit 242which may be made to embrace as many lamps 243 as desired.

The lamps are mounted on a bracket 244 which surrounds the opening 6 andis spaced outwardly thereof as plainly shown in Fig. 2. It will beunderstood that the so-called bracket 244 actually comprises anoutstanding flange to which the lamp sockets are screwed, the lightingof the lamps furnishing adequate illumination for the signboards when inthe display position (dotted lines at right, Fig. 2)

The switch 231 has a finger 245 with which a pair of mem-bersY 246, 241cooperate (Fig. 29). These members are attached to the top edge of asignboard. Said members will occur adjacent to each longitudinal edge ofa signboard and are respectively adapted to register with the nger 245when a signboard is turned around. Each of the signboards of thesignboard unit |3, has .these duplicate members 246, 241.

The member 246 is spring held in the erect position. A spring 248 (Fig.28) is so combined with the pivot 249 of the said member as to tend tokeep it in said erect position. Said member is tiltable inwardly so asto press the finger 245 in the event that the tip of the latter shouldhave gravitated below the travel line 258 of said member. The purpose ofthis provision is to insure the sequestering of the finger 245 betweenthe members 246, 241.

It is the latter which is adapted to engage the linger 245 when in thedotted line position (Fig. 29), and to move the switch to the closedposition as the signboard approaches the opening 6. The member 246remains rigid on the return stroke of the signboard and carries theswitch 231 with it until the latter reassumes its open position. Themember 246 then passes thereunder in the manner suggested in Fig. 29.

'I'he invention embraces a number of features not previously brought outand these are now described in the order in which they would haveoccurred. Each one of the main shafts is subdivided into a plurality ofshort shafts for the purpose of facilitating repairs in the event thatsulch become necessary. The drive shaft 288 (Fig. 1) is cited as anexample. Reference is made to Fig. 30 wherein this shaft is shown to bedivided into relatively short sections. Each of the sections has a halfcoupling 253 secured to it. The flanges of these couplings are securedby removable fasteners 254. It is readily seen that if any of the wormpinions on this shaft should become damaged, it will be perfectly easyto take out that section which carries the damaged pinion and tosubstitute another section with a new pinion. If the entire shaft had tobe removed a great amount of time would be lost.

A further detail comprises the bearings for all important uprightshafts. The shaft 36 (Fig. 13) is taken as an example. The upper end ofthis shaft has a member 255 (Fig. 40) secured to it in any suitable way.This member coacts with a companion member 256, the two membersconstituting a race for the ball bearings 251. The member 256 is seatedin a recess 258 in an adjoining part of thehousing in which it issecured by bolts 259. An oiler'269 is so connected with a duct in themember 256 as' to keep the bearing lubricated constantly. A bearing ofthis description is duplicatedy at the bo-ttom of the shaft 36 and it isobvious that the nature of these bearings is such as to support thesprocket shafts 31, 38 with a minimum of friction.

Attention is next directed to Figs, 114, 12 and 12a which illustrate abrake arrangement, generally designated 26|, adapted to be used on fourof the horizontal shafts 293, |53, 22|, 222, (Fig. 3). The purpose ofthis brake arrangement is to steady these and others of the shafts atthe end of an operation so that any unforseen vibration will not causethe shaft |53 and others to drift farther than intended or desired. Tothis end the brake arrangement is only required to apply a fairly rmfrictional hold upon the respective shaft, and not to lock said shaftagainst turning at the start of an oper-ation.

The brake arrangement for the counter-shaft |53 is described in detail,and this description applies to the other brake arrangements whereverused. A cam 262 (Fig. 12) is xedly carried by the shaft |53. This camcomprises a circular portion 263 which merges into the cam lobe 264(Fig. 12o).

A roller 265 (Fig. 11) rides the'surface of the cam. This roller iscarried by a spindle 266 which projects from one side of a brake plate261. each of the two plates being movably situated at the respectivesides of a rigid brake base 269. Said base xedly carries a number ofstuds 210 which project sufliciently far beyond the sides of the base togo through slots 21| (Fig. 12a) and 212 (Fig. 12) where they are headedat 213 to retain the brake plates in working relationship to the base.

Straps 214 (Fig, 12) or their equivalents, provide pivotal supports at215 for a pair of levers 216 which are centrally jointed at 211. At`their remote and free ends these levers bear upon the pads 218 oflifters 219 which extend through openings 289, 26| respectively in thebase 269, and brake plate 268 from their places of connection to thebrake plate 261 of which they are rigid parts.

The straps 214 are fixtures on the base 269. `They extend throughopenings 282 in the brake plate 268. Said openings are long enough tocompensate for the downward movement of the plate 268 when the liftersare moved upwardly with the plate 261. The downward movement `of theplate 268 is produced by anchoring the pin 211, which is part of theforegoing joint, to the plate 268.

The respective plates 261, 268 have segmental brake linings 233, 284.These are suitably secured in the arched ends of openings 225, 286 inthe brake plates. These openings `are occupied by a brake drum 281 onthe shaft |53. It is readily seen that a raising movement of the camlobe 264 against the roller 265 will raise the brake plate 261.

That action depresses the brake plate 268 by means of the lifters 219and jointed levers 216, the pivot 211 of the latter being secured on theplate 268. The brake linings 233, 264 are in opposing positions inrespect to the drum 281, and by virtue of the brake plate actions arebrought into contact with the drum. However, the arrangement of theparts is such that only a light frictional hold is applied to the brakedrum.

This is sufficient to prevent coasting of the shaft |53 which, at thisstage in the operation,

This plate has a complemental plate 268,V

is supposed to have come to a stop. Said hold will not prevent therelease of the brake when the apparatus is started again, the initialturning of the shaft |53 readily being possible to advance the cam lobe264 past the roller 265. 'Ihe brake plates 261, 268 are then returned totheir former and released position by any known means, for example, thepredominating weight of the plate 261, or a spring anchored to the baseand appropriately attached to one of the plates.

The operation is readily understood. Attention is again directed to Fig.1 respecting which it is to be assumed that the signboards in the panelformations I4, l have just assumed those formations thereby to representthe end of a simultaneous step motion of each of the units 9-|3.

At this moment the forward cam |86 (Fig. 7) is about to receive theroller |11 when the latter drops from the neutral cam |19. The resultingshifting of the constantly revolving main drive shaft |69 (arrow j, Fig.6) engages the gear 2|1 with the pinions 2|9, 226 The shafts 22|, 221,99 and ||1 are operated on the one hand, while the shafts 222, 223, 99aand ||1a are operated on the other hand. The various carrier chains aremoved oppositely outwardly (arrows f and g, Fig. 2). The sign panels l5,|4 (Fig. 1) are moved rearwardly and forwardly in unison. For thispurpose said panels are picked up by the toothedge sockets 93, 93a. and94, 94a. according to the manner explained in detail with respect to thesockets 93, 94 in Figs. 37 and 38.

Said sign panels travel rearwardly and forwardly to the dotted linepositions (Fig. 2). The signboards in the panel formation i5 are aboutto be turned around 189. The signboard panel M is in the displayposition (Fig. 2'1).

Figure 22 illustrates the signboards in position for reversal or turningaround; as soon as the forward cam |80 (Fig. 7) has passed under theroller |11, the latter rises onto the next neutral cam |8|. The quartergear |81 (Fig. 4) then reaches the pinion |8801; the neutralization ofthe gear 2| 1 (Fig. 3) renders the upper and lower sets of carrierchains inactive. The turning of the pinion |88a causes turning of theshafts |92, |53 (Fig. 3), the latter being the countershaft whichactuates all of the reversing devices 3|, 35

4in unison. A 180 turn of the signboards is accomplished by the quartersection of the gear |81,

The utilization of that quarter section occurs for the extent of theneutral cam |8| (Fig. 7). The reverse cam |32 now rides under the roller|11 and shifts the main drive shaft |69 (arrow 7c, Fig. 6) to engage thereverse gear 2| 8 with the pinions 2|9, 220 (Fig. 3). The earlierclirections of motions of the shafts 22|, 222, and all others thatderive power therefrom are now reversed. The various chain carriers areagain moved toward the inside of the housing The rear chain carriersmove in the directions of the arrow h while the front chain carriersmove inwardly in the direction of the arrows z' (Fig. 2). Reengagementof the twin hooks 68 and 69 of the signboards is made with the twinsockets 16, 1| at the ends of the signboard units 9. i and by this timethe reverse cam |82 will have passed from under the roller |11, raisingthe latter to the level of the neutral cam |19 (Fig. '1) and restoringthe gear 2|8 to its neutral position.

Also 'by this time the quarter gear 86 will have reached the pinion |96(Fig. 5). The turning of the latter for the ensuing quarter impartsmotion to the chain belts 4|, 2 in the vunits 9, I3. All of thesignboards are advanced one step. Some of the signboards will assume newpanel formations i4, I5 in readiness for a repetition of the foregoingoperation.v The electrical system in Figs. 28 and 29 is workedintermittently so as to furnish illumination each time a newly arrivedsign panel is advanced to the front 5 behind the sign opening 6.

The brake 26| of the shaft |53, which shaft is representative of anyother shaft that makes a full revolution in each sign changingoperation, automatically comes into play at the end and beginning ofeach such operation. The brake plates 261, 268 are made to workreversely by the cam 262 (Fig. 12a) at said end and beginning, first toapply a light pressure to the brake drum 281 (Fig. 12), second torelease it. The apparatus is thus given a desired steadying influencewhich insures a rhythmic working thereof.

I claim:

l. Advertising apparatus comprising a housing having a back and a frontwith an opening, a plurality of signboard units in the housing, eachunit including belt means, signboards having fractional signs onopposite sides, and means for detachably mounting the signboards on thebelt means, means for operating the belt means with a step by stepmotion to periodically assemble successive signboards in panel formationand in positions confronting said back and front, carrier means includedin said units and situated contiguouslyto said front, other carriermeans included in said units and located contiguously to said back,means to operate all of the carrier means simultaneously to convey thepanel formations respectively toward the front into a sign-displayposition behind said opening and toward said back, interengageable meanson the various carrier means and on the signboards for detaching saidsignboards from the lbelt means, and reversing devices between saidother Carriers and the back for receiving the signboards from saidcarriers and turning said signboards around preparatory to redelivery tosaid other carriers.

2. Advertising apparatus comprising a signboard unit including aplurality of sign boards and beltmeans to which the signboards aredetachably mounted in spaced relationship to each other, means foroperating the belt means with a step by step motion so as to advancesuccessive signboards into a preliminary display position, carrier meansextending from said preliminary display position to a display position,interengageable means carried by each sign board and said carrier means,and means for operating said carrier means forwardly causing a couplingof said interengageable means and the detachment of the respectivesignboard from the belt means for advancement to the display position.

3. Advertising apparatus comprising a signboard unit including aplurality of signboards and belt means to which the signboards aredetachably mounted in spaced relationship to each ot-her, means foroperating the belt means with a step by step motion so as to advancesuccessive signboards into a preliminary display position, carrier meansextending from said preliminary display position to a display position,interengageable means carried vby each sign board and said carriermeans, means for operating said carrier means forwardly causing acoupling of said interengageable means and the detachment and means bywhich the sign-boards are detachl ably mounted on the belt means, areversing device for turning the signboards around, thereby to reversethe positions of the indicia, a carrier between the device and the beltmeans, interengageable means on the carrier and each of the signboards,mans for operating the belt means wit ha step by step motion so as tobring successive signboards into registration with the carrier for thecoupling of said interengageable means, means then to operate thecarrier causing said coupling and the detachment of the respectivesignboard from the belt means, and means embodied in the reversingdevice receiving the signboard from said carrier preparatory to saidturning around.

5. Advertising apparatus comprising a signboard unit including aplurality of signboards, a pair of belt means, means by which thesignboards are detachably mounted on the belt means, means for operatingthe belt means with a step by step motion so as to advance thesuccessive boards to a predetermined stop position, a pair of carriersbeginning at and extending away from the stop position, inte-rengageablemeans mutually carried by each end of each lsignboard and by eachcarrier, said means including anchor hooks on the signboards and anchorpins on the carriers, and means for simultaneously moving the carriers,thereby to interengage the anchor pins and hooks, detach the signboardfrom the belt means at said sten position and convey said signboardalong the carriers.

6. Advertising apparatus comprising a pair of rcarriers, means foralternately driving the carriers forwardly and backwardly, a signboardunit coacting with said carriers including a plurality of signboards,belt means, and means by which the signboards are detachably mounted onthe belt means, interengageable means mutually carried by the signboardsand by the carriers, the signboards being adapted to be coupled to thecarriers for transportation forwardly and backwardly therealong duringtemporary detachment from the belt means, and means to operate the beltmeans with a step by step motion to advance successive signboards to aposition of detachment thereof from the belt means by the carriers.

'7. Advertising apparatus comprising a pair of chain belts, a signboardspanning the distance between said belts, hook and socket meansrespectively associated with the signboard and chain belts providing adetachable mounting for the signboard on said belts, carriers beginningat andextending from a stop position of the signboard at which it istemporarily stationed, interengageable means mutually mounted on thecarriers and the adjacent ends of the signboard, and means for settingthe carriers in motion, thereby coupling the interengageable means tolift the signboard for temporary detachment at said, hoo-k and socketmeans while advancing the vsignboard along said carriers.

8. Advertising apparatus comprising chain

